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CUPE poll shows Toronto loves its librarians

A new CUPE poll shows what most Torontonians know: this is a city that loves its libraries. Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong said that's not the point.

By Robyn DoolittleUrban Affairs Reporter

Wed., March 14, 2012

With the negotiating deadline between the city and its library union just days away, a new CUPE-sponsored poll shows residents overwhelmingly love their librarians.

When asked “Whose side are you on?” in the ongoing negotiations between the city and its library workers, 61 per cent of those polled said they were behind the union, 4 per cent were neutral, and 9 per cent didn’t know.

Just over a quarter of respondents indicated they were more sympathetic to the city.

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong said the poll missed the point.

“I like librarians too. And I like the garbage workers. And I like 416 (outdoor) workers. City workers do a good job. That’s not the issue. No one is claiming we don’t like them. The issue is getting an agreement that’s fair, balanced and affordable,” said Minnan-Wong, a member of employee labour relations committee.

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The non-automated telephone poll of 600 residents was conducted by Environics on March 9-12. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 per cent.

When people were questioned about proposed cuts to the library system, more than 75 per cent of respondents said a 10 per cent budget reduction would have either a “very negative” or “somewhat negative” impact.

On the issue of part-time benefits — which is one of the main hurdles at the bargaining table — 71 per cent of those polled said permanent part-time workers should be entitled to the same vacation, dental and drug plan benefits as full-time staff.

“Predictably, people like librarians,” said a CUPE spokesperson. “What I was really surprised by was the extent to which people agree with the notion that if you’re doing the same work but you’re a part-time worker you should be entitled to benefits.”

About two weeks ago, the library union, CUPE Local 4948, asked for a no board report. It was granted and as of Sunday 12:01 a.m., the city and union will be in a legal lockout and strike position respectively.

While CUPE officials say negotiations are going well, the timing of this recent poll release is clearly meant to apply pressure on city negotiators, emboldened by its recent victory with the outdoor workers’ union.

But union officials say the two are different animals and that — as this recent poll shows — the public is willing to get behind library staffers if they’re pushed to strike.

Last month, CUPE 416 agreed to a contract that included significant concessions around job security and management flexibility. Those involved say the union had little choice, given the persisting animosity over the 2009 garbage strike. CUPE polls indicated that smelly summer still weighed heavily on the public’s mind.

But when it comes to the two locals still at the bargaining table — the 2,300 Toronto Public Library workers and 23,000 indoor workers — research shows a different story.

In the newest CUPE poll, respondents were asked 21 questions, six of which were released to the Star. An official said the remainder had to do with demographic information and some were aimed at assessing the public’s overall mood toward labour negotiations.

CUPE would not release these results. An official said, generally speaking, the data shows the public has a favourable attitude to all indoor workers, particularly librarians.

The indoor workers, represented by CUPE Local 79, could legally walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. March 24.

Visit thestar.com to view the polling information released to the Star.

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